August marks the beginning of the school year, but there’s still time for at least one more day of family fun. We’ve planned out the ultimate day in the city in hopes that you would get inspired to get out there and make some memories.
1. Must-See Museums
Price Range: $13.95-$19.95 per person*
There are many kid-friendly museums to check out in Denver, including but not limited to the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Children’s Museum of Denver, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. We opted for the latter, and it did not disappoint! You’ll want to carve out at least 2-3 hours, a modest time commitment for a three-story museum that transports you from the dinosaur age to modern space travel.
The Denver Museum of Art and Science is constantly rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. During August, you can check out Egypt: Time of the Pharaohs and Mazes and Brain Games. Kids will be amazed by replicas of mummies and pyramids, and then they can expend their energy with dozens of puzzles and interactive games. Year-round, families can venture on a prehistoric journey, check out hundreds of sparkling gems and minerals, explore north American Indian cultures, and more. All in all, a museum is a great way to get your kids’ imaginations running and ready for another successful school year.
*Pro-Tip: Douglas County Libraries offers free passes to Denver museums and attractions through their Adventure Pass. Library card holders can reserve passes up to 14 days in advance here: dcl.org/adventure-pass.
2. A Walk in the Park
Price Range: Free
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science backs up to City Park, Denver’s most popular park, which boasts over 320 lush green acres. It contains tennis courts, horseshoes, two playgrounds, picnic sites, and baseball, football, and soccer fields. Electric scooters and bicycles can be rented for a minimal fee, so the whole family can zoom around the park’s perimeter. Bring a ball, pack some backyard games, and hang out for a while. If you’re feeling really ambitious, the Denver Zoo is within the park’s limits (note that it has additional admission.) Here are a few other Denver free parks you should put on your list to explore this summer: Washington Park, Cheesman Park, Confluence Park, and Central Park.
3. Dinner!
Price Range: Dependent on Restaurant
There are several places to grab a delicious bite to eat near City Park. Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs presents a kid-friendly option for grub-on-the-go. They sell reasonably-priced hotdogs and burgers. Olive & Finch offers juice blends and sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, and Dos Santos has modern Mexican cuisine with a creative twist on tacos.
As for us, pizza was the move. We drove to Blue Pan Pizza, home of the Detroit-style pie Westword Magazine voted best pizza in Denver in 2021. If you go, look closely at the menu. A few pizzas have blue ribbons by their names, meaning that they won first place in International Pizza challenges. The pictured pizza[be1] , The Brooklyn Bridge, is one such winner. It is layered with signature marinara sauce, mozzarella and brick cheese, cupping pepperoni, ricotta, hand-pinched Italian sausage, fresh garlic, Sicilian oregano, and pecorino Romano cheese. Mama Mia!
4. Rockies Game
Price Range: Starting at $4 per person
Nothing says summer in Denver like an evening of baseball at Coors Field. The stadium is quintessentially Colorado, with great views of the Rocky Mountains and the highest elevation of any field in the MLB. The Rockies play approximately 80 games at home from April to early October, so there are plenty of opportunities to take your family out to the ballgame! Kids 15 and younger can join the Rockies Rookies fan club to receive free merchandise and gear.
Nine innings can be a long time to sit still--especially for kiddos. Dinger’s Playground provides an opportunity for younger kids to expel some energy. In addition, the Coors Field Interactive Area for kids is located behind the bullpen. If you aren’t picky about your seats, you can reserve tickets in the Rockpile, 2,300-seat bleacher section located behind the centerfield backdrop. These $4 tickets ($1 for seniors) are available on a first come, first serve basis up to two hours before the game. They can only be purchased at the designated window next to gate A, and once you purchase Rockpile tickets, you cannot leave and reenter the stadium. Kids under the age of two don’t need a ticket if you’re willing to have them sit on your lap.
5. Little Man Ice Cream Company
Price Range: $2.50 (Little Dip) - $6.50 (A Large)
Nothing tops off a perfect family day like a scoop of ice cream! Luckily, Denver’s premier place to get a sweet treat, Little Man Ice Cream, is less than ten minutes from Coors Field. It’s hard to miss—the shop is housed in a 28-foot steel replica of an old-fashioned milk can. There’s something for everybody, from sundaes and milkshakes to handmade waffle cones and ice cream sandwiches. They always have vegan flavors and sorbets available, too. Prepare yourself for a long line—potentially 30 minutes or so—and treat yourself to an extra scoop or rainbow sprinkles for your patience. Little Man Ice Cream is guilt-free—for every scoop of ice cream purchased, a scoop of rice, beans or other essentials are donated to communities in need around the globe.
[be1]Please ensure that the picture of the pizza is included if this wording is used.